Our Team

Jeanne DuPont

Founder and Executive Director

As founder and executive director of RISE, Jeanne DuPont has worked closely with the Rockaway community and city agencies since 2005, developing strategies to redevelop large stretches of underutilized public land for the good of the community. Much of her work has involved organizing community members and youth in utilizing outdoor space for programming focused on social equity, health, and environmental justice. Jeanne has a master's degree in Design from Yale University.

Juvie Anne Alfeche

Public Programs Coordinator

Juvie Anne Alfeche earned a Bachelor of Science in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. There, she learned about environmental conservation, natural resource management, and building sustainable livelihoods and communities. She worked as a farmer at PEAS Farm in Missoula, Montana, and as a grower at Square Roots in Brooklyn, before coming to RISE. In her spare time, Juvie Anne is busy in the kitchen, cooking and baking delicious treats and meals to share with her family and friends.

Alana Danieu

Programs Manager

Alana Danieu arrived at RISE by way of the Battery Conservancy and the Ong lab at Dartmouth College, an agroecology lab. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics/Statistics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. "I am passionate about ecology, education, and community-building. Beyond advocacy for environmental sustainability, I am specifically drawn to RISE because of its commitment to equity, community-led initiatives, and youth programming."

Lea Kramberg

Youth Programs Coordinator

Lea Kramberg grew up in Rockaway and brings several years of experience teaching and working with youth in diverse settings—from New York City to the Canadian wilderness. She has a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Skidmore College and a master's degree in Childhood and Special Education from NYU. Lea is enthusiastic about joining RISE and applying her skills to contribute positively to her hometown community. In her spare time, she enjoys solving crossword puzzles, playing guitar, and crocheting.

Stephanie Castillo Samoy

Director of Operations & Communications

The Rockaways has been part of Stephanie Castillo Samoy's life since the late 1990s, when her Tae Kwon Do instructor trained his students in his backyard and then took them surfing off of Beach 87th Street. She worked in publishing for decades and is happy to have landed at RISE! Stephanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the New School.

Fanthasia Adams

Shore Corps Leader

Fanthasia Adams attends John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is majoring in Criminal Justice. "I grew up in Rockaway for most of my life, and I started working with RISE in high school. I gained many experiences and opportunities because of it, especially when it comes to building a sense of community, so becoming a Shore Corps leader and being able to help out more is something I’m proud of. Some things I personally enjoy are scary movies and every genre of music."

Janilia Etienne

Shore Corps Leader

Janilia Etienne is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and community empowerment. As an undergraduate student at Cornell University, she actively engages in initiatives that promote conservation and social equity. Her commitment to sustainable practices and her academic insights contribute to her mission of driving positive change in environmental management and community development.

Natasha Herman

Shore Corps Leader

Natasha Herman is currently enrolled at Brooklyn College through Macaulay Honors program. "I’ve been a part of RISE since high school, and I always look forward to working in the local environment and engaging with youth in the area."

Caitrin Hunter

Shore Corps Leader

Caitrin Hunter attends SUNY New Paltz and is majoring in Art Education. “I joined RISE as an opportunity to try new activities, gain a community, and push me out of my comfort zone. Becoming a Shore Corps leader allows me to develop new leadership skills and prepares me to work in an education setting for the future.” In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, riding her bike, and making art.

Blossom Jaurey

Shore Corps Leader

Blossom Jaurey studies at New York University. "I love anime. Some things I truly appreciate about RISE are the people I’ve met and knowledge I've acquired over my years here.”

Aidan Lane

Shore Corps Leader

Aidan Lane attends SUNY University at Albany. "I’ve been a part of RISE for many years now and always look forward to working with the community."

Olivia Lisena

Shore Corps Leader

Olivia Lisena is a Criminology major at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "I have always been passionate about working with my community, specifically with youth. My favorite artists at the moment are Lana Del Rey and Deftones."

Marco Panday

Shore Corps Leader

Marco Panday will be a sophomore at New York University in the fall. "My favorite pastime is going out to dinner. I wanted to work for RISE to help give back to the community that guided me to where I am now."

Kelsie Pye

Shore Corps Leader

Kelsie Pye attends College of Staten Island and is planning on majoring in Social Work. “Growing up in Breezy Point, I have felt a strong connection with the beaches and the work that RISE does in conservation of those habitats.” She is happy to be a Shore Corps leader and enjoys helping teach and inspire youth in the community. She hopes to learn skills she will take and use in the future. In her spare time, Kelsie enjoys spending time with her family and friends at the beach and exploring the city to try new things.

Sadiqah Quadery

Shore Corps Leader

Sadiqah Quadery is currently a student at Cornell University. "I love working at RISE because it allows me to be around my peers, who are just as passionate about sustainability and the environment as me!"

Juliana Rodas

Shore Corps Leader

Juliana Rodas started working with RISE back in 2022 for the farmers market and then became a Shore Corps leader for the first time in 2023. "It was an amazing experience, which made me excited to do it again this year as I learned so much last year."

Massimo Valentino

Shore Corps Leader

Massimo Valentino attends Brandeis University through POSSE Foundation. "My favorite artist is Drake, and my favorite part about RISE is being able to give back to my community.”